GRAY MATTERS
LEARN NEW HOBBIES Do you want to reduce memory loss by 40–50 percent? Dan Buettner, a researcher and best-selling author on studies about happiness and longevity, suggests learning a new hobby. Whether you learn to knit, paint, or discover a new board game, you’ll enjoy improved mental health. Get your hands moving, and your mind will surely follow. (Note: Watching TV as a hobby doesn’t count! People who regularly watch TV may suffer up to 50 percent memory loss.) SOCIALIZE If you want to maintain mental health, make socializing a priority. Having an active social life increases your resistance to mental diseases and improves your mood. Furthermore, a healthy social network of friends and family (and we’re not talking Facebook here) helps give you a support system to fall back on when times get tough. TAKE A BREAK Take a step back from your everyday life and enjoy the small things. Set aside time to sit down with a good book or another activity you enjoy. While on that 5-mile walk, why not take a few moments to slow down your pace and look at the world around you? As the famous saying goes, “Stop and smell the roses.”
Everyone faces the prospect of growing older. When it comes to aging, people’s primary concerns include aches, pains, and changes to their physical appearance. But perhaps even more important is mental health. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your mind sharp as you age so you can enjoy your retirement.
EXERCISE Working out is inextricably tied to wellness in all its forms. A simple, light workout now and then not only maintains physical health, but it also boosts your mental well-being. A 5-mile walk once per week can increase brain volume and prevent mental diseases, including Alzheimer’s. It’s no wonder exercise is the go-to solution for maintaining wellness.
COVER CONTINUED
Zesty Zucchini ENCHILADAS
uncrate/unbox, bag loose items, line items up on tables, hand items to recipients, and help shoppers who are disabled to their cars. The program has been around for nine years and is a great example of “neighbors helping neighbors.” Our team members are excited to be a part of it! In the coming months, the Smile Team hopes to continue to donate time and effort to community organizations and events. If you know of an organization in need of volunteers, please reach out to us! Simply send an email to TheSmileTeam@ LakeOconeeDental.com. Let us know the date of your event, the amount of time required, and what you specifically need assistance with that day. We will share that information with our team and, if we have team members available, we will send the Smile Team to help out. Hopefully, as the word spreads, more organizations will reach out to us when they need assistance. We are really excited about this new effort and are looking forward to serving our community in deeper, more impactful ways. I hope you have a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day. We look forward to seeing you soon. –Dr. David
Ingredients • 4 large zucchini • 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee • 1 large onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken • 2 cups shredded cheese • 1 1/3 cup red enchilada sauce
Instructions 1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet, heat oil. Add onion,
garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir to combine. Add chicken and 1 cup enchilada sauce.
2. Use vegetable peeler to thinly slice zucchini. Lay out three slices, slightly overlapping, and spoon chicken mixture on top. Roll the zucchini “tortilla” and place on baking sheet. Repeat until all zucchini and chicken is used. 3. Cover the enchiladas with remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20 minutes, and enjoy!
Adapted from delish.com.
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